Published author visits Durgee

Three years ago, Brian Moreland was experiencing writer's block with a novel that was about two-thirds finished when he began sending chapters of his book to ninth graders at Durgee Junior High School. Little did he know when he first began the correspondence that it would help lead to the completion of his first published book, "Shadows in the Mist."

Fast-forward to Thursday Oct. 26 and the completion of "Shadows in the Mist."

Moreland is in the library at Durgee signing books for the students who helped make his dream a reality.

"I was actually suffering from major writers block when I started corresponding with you," he told the students. He laughed as he remembered the eagerness of the students and how they kept asking for chapter after chapter.

"I began writing just so I would have something to send you," Moreland said. "You were very much part of me finishing this book."

All but three of the original 21 students, who are now seniors, attended the special meeting with the author who likewise inspired them.

"This project got me interested in reading more," said Baker HS senior Elissa Leathers, who plans on pursuing an English degree in college. "We contacted this author and he was sending us these rough drafts and asking for our help. Not only that, it was also a really good book."

The seniors spent the end of their school day reminiscing about both the experience and the class they took three years ago with their author friend.